"The Entertaining History of Little Jack" [School piece or Penmanship sheet] 1806

John Bewick made this school piece, "The Entertaining History of Little Jack," using wood engraving, a process where an image is carved into the end grain of a wood block, then inked and printed. This was a technique suited for mass production in the late 18th century. The crisp, fine lines you see result from the density of the wood, allowing for intricate detail. This material quality enabled the creation of a narrative through a series of vignettes bordering a blank space, likely intended for a student's penmanship practice. Each scene illustrates a stage in Little Jack's life, reflecting the era’s focus on moral education and social mobility. Bewick's choice of wood engraving, rather than traditional etching, democratized printmaking, making it accessible for educational materials. The very act of reproducing these images speaks to the burgeoning print culture and its role in shaping young minds, subtly reinforcing societal values and hierarchies through accessible and reproducible art.